The Phillies offense is not unlike an old-fashioned yo-yo, expending kinetic energy unevenly depending on the amount of force applied, gravity, tension, friction and of course, attentiveness. While this offense has overcome injuries, slumps and the constant slings and arrows of an impatient media (ahem), it has in fact also overcome most opponents.
Today the score of both games of a doubleheade...

This week the Tigers made a surprising move trading second baseman Scott Sizemore to the Oakland A’s for relief pitcher David Purcey. The deal comes less than a month after Sizemore was recalled from Toledo to replace Will Rhymes.
Tigers management felt that Sizemore had his chances to earn the starting job at second, but never fully developed into the player they hoped he would. With Sizemor...

One month of the baseball season is in the books and while 5+ months remain, we finally have our first glimpse into what 2011 will do to surprise us. Six weeks ago we published a season preview (http://prosportsblogging.com/mlb-baseball/mlb-predictions-standings-2011/) and now we can compare notes on the season’s first month relative to those expectations. Isn’t this just one part of why t...

Contrary to popular consensus, this is not panic but it is indicative of what 2011 may hold. Phillies have Four Aces but not even the Fantastic Four can win games without run support. Ask Cole Hamels what it feels like to have to win every game 1-0 (1.4 runs per game avg. in 2010 – closer to 1.1 RPG in second half) . Roy Halladay gave up six runs and 10 hits in 6-2/3 innings vs. Milwauke...

According to a story that broke Thursday night, the Phillies have reached agreement on a minor-league contract with veteran infielder Ronnie Belliard. Naturally the deal is pending a physical examination. We take these for granted but the physical exam actually negated a deal to sign relief pitcher Dennys Reyes this summer. Then again, that one took NINE DAYS. This one should be completed befor...

Prior to the start of the 2009 season, the Yankees made a huge splash in free-agency by landing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. They won 103 games and the World Series. Looking back, the Sabathia signing sent shock waves, but nothing like the Cliff Lee spectacle this past offseason.
The Phillies won a MLB high 97 games a year ago, and it was a down year. Players were falling down like flies, an...

Amaro signed through 2013
The good news is that both Ruben Amaro and Charlie Manuel are under contract through 2013. The bad news may be that looming questions regarding Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, Jimmy Rollins and the Phillies lineup have yet to be answered.
Amaro, 46, was in the final year of three-year pact signed after the 2008 season. After serving as an assistant GM to both Ed Wade and Pat...

It would seem that opinions regarding Chase Utley's knee are as diverse and disparate as the people offering them. Ask 20 people and you will in fact get 20 different opinions. Normally when a medical issue arises, some of us prefer to ask trained professional medical personnel – inquiring about what's called a prognosis. For those who watch TV's “House” this would be when he ...

UPDATE 3/10/2011—– UPDATE 3/10/2011
Michael Young's unhappiness and desire to be traded has been public for several weeks. Potential suitors have been reluctant to approach due to Young's price tag and his “five-and-ten” impending status.
It seems that the Arizona Diamondbacks have renewed their efforts to acquire Young from the Texas Rangers, according to sources includ...

Recently, I wrote about the pitching projections (Jan. 3, Phillies Pitching Projections) from The Bill James Handbook 2011. Now it is time for the projected starting lineup. Since Manuel has not tipped his hand yet as to what his plans are, you're left to my own devices and powers of deduction. Several variables apply. Naturally there is the right field situation. Will it be Francisco? Platoon ...

Much has been made of Jayson Werth's departure from the Philadelphia Phillies. This is understandable given the $126 million involved. However, this one extremely expensive transaction by the Washington Nationals does not automatically make the Phillies into an also-ran – nor does it make Washington a contender. As presently constituted, the Phillies may be the best team in the National...

Shane Victorino is among the winners three years running
Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino continues to be recognized as one of the best outfielders in baseball – at least by way of awards. The jury is still out as to whether or not Joe Baseball Fan in Kansas City or Sheila Baseball Fan in Palm Springs knows much about the Flyin' Hawaiian. Regardless, Victorino earned...